Middle East Research Program Internship Spring 2026

Internship Opportunities

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated exclusively to promoting pluralism, defending democratic values, and fighting the ideologies that threaten democracy. The organization was founded shortly after 9 / 11 by a group of visionary philanthropists and policymakers to engage in the worldwide war of ideas and to support the defense of democratic societies under assault by terrorism and militant Islamism. FDD combines policy research, investigative journalism, strategic communications, and democracy and counterterrorism education.

About FDD's Internship Program

Based in downtown Washington, D.C., the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has a number of internship opportunities available. All FDD interns will have the opportunity to participate in a twice-monthly speaker series, which brings high-level DC officials and senior staff members to engage with interns in an intimate setting. FDD interns will be encouraged to build on their academic skills by working closely with senior staff. FDD is also happy to assist students who wish to earn academic credit for this internship. All internships are unpaid.

• FDD will move forward with both hybrid and remote internship options for the Spring 2026 semester.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Middle East Research Program

The Middle East Research Program is seeking full-time and part-time interns. Interns will work closely with Dr. David Adesnik, FDD's director of research, and other members of the team to conduct research on a number of our critical projects related to Israel, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. Projects tend to focus on regional developments, politics, international relations, economic relations, and national security. Those with an interest in the Middle East and foreign policy are strongly encouraged to apply. If there is a particular region of interest to you, please indicate that in your cover letter. The Research Department is looking for interns with research experience and strong writing capabilities. The ability to conduct research in a foreign language - particularly Persian (Farsi), Arabic, or Hebrew - is a big plus, but not required.

Eligibility

Application Materials Required

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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